Her Story
From a highly educated professional to a freefall victim of repetitive systemic failure. A timeline of endless endurance.
Education & Professional Background
Michelle Beizai is a highly qualified individual with a diverse and impressive academic and professional history in both the United States and Europe.
Academic Excellence
- University of Michigan: Bachelor's degree in English Literature.
- Boston University: 3 years of further studies (Juris Docteur)
- Columbia University (New York): Summer courses in Journalism.
Legal & Financial Expertise
- Qualified Attorney: Passed the bar in Massachusetts.
- Licensed Stockbroker: Trained at Merrill Lynch in Boston, passed the Series 7 exam.
- Two legal internships in the U.S. with an insurance Co. in Boston and a general practice in Michigan
Exposure to Medical research
- 1,5 years in clinical epidemiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Art & Design Transition
- Sotheby's (London): 1-year Works of Art course at the prestigious auction house.
- Parsons School of Design (Paris): 2 years of study, bridging logical and artistic interests.
- Fashion Industry internships: Gained experience in renowned French houses including Pierre Balmain, Torrente, and Daniel Hechter.
The Turning Point: Systemic Failures
Despite her qualifications and legal residency in France since 1995, Michelle's life took a drastic turn due to a series of events, which should never have occured and systemic failures.
Violent Eviction
While residing in an illegally rented old boutique at 45 rue des Trois Frères in Montmartre, Michelle faced an eviction of unprecedented violence after her huissier betrayed her trust by deliverately failing to deliver her documents on time. This traumatic event marked the end of her artistic activity and the beginning of an endless struggle, which consumed much of her life.
"Illegal and Unhealthy Housing"
For a quarter of a century, Michelle has been forced into slum housing conditions that were consistently unhealthy and most often uninsulated as well. She survived by teaching English while living in overpriced hotels or other spaces outside the norms of habitation, but the forced loss of her student and intern status complicated her administrative situation.
"Judicial Malpractice"
Michelle fought back. She made the effort to bring cases to court to assert her rights. However, her efforts were repeatedly sabotaged by what can only be described as "judicial malpractice". These 25 years of legal battles left her financially devastated and without any justice.
Homelessness
Since April 2023, Michelle has been living on the streets. For over 2.5 years, she has survived in extreme precariousness, recently becoming a victim of street violence. Despite this, she remains articulate, dignified, and determined to rebuild her life, with effective support and adequate resources made available to her.
In Her Own Words
Michelle has documented the first 15 years of her struggle in a comprehensive testimony titled "Déchue et démunie Ad Infinitum". This document details the housing difficulties, grand theft, needless violence and legal battles she led in a system uninclined to listen and to recognize and repair prejudice. This is only the first half of her story in Paris, the second half is even worse and yet to be written.
"I made the effort to bring the cases, but was sabotaged by judicial bad practice."